England's captain, Harry Kane, expressed optimism ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America, stating that the current team is the best England has ever had and is ready to break a 60-year World Cup drought. According to DPA, Kane is confident they can achieve what no English team has accomplished since Bobby Moore's victory in 1966.

Harry Kane's Confidence Before the World Cup

The 32-year-old player is leading the national team into the North American tournament, aiming to become the first English captain to lift the trophy since 1966. After consecutive European Championship finals under Sir Gareth Southgate in 2021 and 2024, England qualified for the World Cup under the guidance of German coach Thomas Tuchel.

Kane, who says he is playing the best football of his career, along with standout players like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice, believes England is among the tournament favorites.

"I think our team is the best we've ever had," Kane said, launching the England Challenge, where fans can win a gold boot from his own collection at the interactive football game TOCA Social.

Kane on England's Chances

"When you look at the starting eleven, when you see the players who can come off the bench, we are going to the tournament as one of the favorites," explained Kane.

"We have built as a team in the last few campaigns under Thomas. I think we've set the standard and now we are going further to continue next month at the World Cup," added Kane.

"There is always something special about playing in the World Cup. There is a special feeling inside, especially when you win. We know how much winning a World Cup matters, not just for us, but also for the fans and the country," said Kane.

The England captain is participating in his third World Cup after a successful season at Bayern Munich, where he scored 58 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions.

Although it has been 10 years since he won his first Golden Boot in the Premier League, Kane's goal tally has not declined, and his game has evolved to the point where he considers himself a complete footballer.

Harry Kane on His Evolution as a Player

"When I won my first Golden Boot, I was very young," said Kane, the Bayern Munich player.

"I am at a stage in my career where I am truly a different player compared to 10 years ago. I have learned a lot since then. I am much more experienced. I have improved my game by moving deeper into spaces and linking play. My understanding of the game and my positioning on the field have reached a completely different level," Kane added.

"I feel like I am a much more complete player. And honestly, I think I am playing the best football of my career now. I am very happy with the player I have become," said Harry Kane.

Kane could score three more goals for England at the World Cup to surpass legendary player Gary Lineker as the leading goal-scorer for the Three Lions in World Cup history.

"Gary was an incredible player for England, and to score 10 goals for England is impressive," added Kane.

"If I can score those goals and surpass Gary's record, it will help my team win, and that means a lot," concluded Kane.